Lillimae Tomlinson's coffin is lowered into her grave. - Photo by George Henry

It was not an ordinary thanksgiving service that was held at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God, on November 22, to show last respects to late post mistress and hard-working churchwoman Lillimae Agatha Tomlinson, of Chudleigh and Sanguinetti in Manchester and Clarendon, respectively.

The church was packed with scores of mourners, but was also filled with glowing tributes for Tomlinson, who was affectionately known as 'Sister Lilly', and with praise and adoration for God.

From as early as 9 a.m., the church was filled with loved ones and friends of the late energetic churchwoman. Mourners spilled into the yard of the Sanguinetti church. Many stood but did not mind, as they were showing respects to a good friend, motivator and role model whom scores emulated over the years.

Good qualities

It was easy for those who paid tribute to the late well-loved and respected woman of God, who touched hundreds of lives over the 66 years she spent on Earth, ser-ving the Lord and humanity, to say their words of love for her.

In her tribute, retired post mistress and co-worker of Tomlinson, Nina McCatty expressed that persons could not help but love her late sister in the Lord. She noted that Lillimae always had a good smile and always displayed the good qualities of which true Christians are made.

Respected everyone

"She always respected everyone and especially senior citizens who visited the post offices where she worked. It was a pleasure to hear her talk about God. It did not matter where she was, she would praise the Lord," noted McCatty, who also said that God loved Lillimae and did not want her to suffer; so He took her home.

Ivy Morris, a friend and church sister of the late loved woman, in her tribute on behalf of the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God, told mourners that Lillimae was a virtuous woman who was dignified, pleasant and responsible.

She added that 'Lilly' was an outstanding woman who worked hard for her church, especially when it came to raising funds.

"She loved the Lord and spoke a lot about His goodness and would always encourage others to serve their God. She has left a void which will be filled with pleasant memories of her," said Morris.

Locksley Tomlinson, widower of the deceased, after singing Living He Loved Me in tribute, had to be embraced by Reverend Barrington DaCosta, pastor of the late Lillimae, and his daughter Dawn Whittle.

He told mourners that a great portion of his life was gone; and that he loved his late wife dearly. He also asked those who were not following the will of the Lord to start doing so in honour of Lilly.

Geneva Garrick, a former co-worker, in doing the remembrance said she had fond memories of Tomlinson, and agreed with all those who gave tribute. She pointed out that Lillimae spent her years well in the postal service, as she was most diligent and hard-working.

There were also other glowing tributes from Lillimae's son Orville, Reverend Earl Rose, family friend Superintendent Rosalee McDonald-Barker, Bishop Curtis Brown, Deon Hamm (Stepdaughter), Sharon Thomas, Amy Morgan, Reverend Barrington DaCosta and Reverend Karl Humes.

Wonderful woman

During the sermon, Reverend DaCosta told the congregation that Tomlinson was a wonderful woman of God who was jovial and full of energy. He said no one could have been bored around her, and that to lose her was a real pain for her family as well as the Sanguinetti church and community.

The preacher noted that Lillimae was gone to a better land where there was neither pain, sickness nor sorrow. He preached that she passed the test to reach heaven, because she did her part on Earth after heeding the Master's call.

Dawn Tomlinson-Whittle, during the delivery of the eulogy for her late mother, said she was born on January 1, 1942 and was the third child for Adina and James Cameron. She noted also that she was married to her father Locksley for more than 48 years and that their union produced Paul, Richard, Orville and herself.

Postal service

Lillimae, who was born at Main Ridge in Clarendon, attended the elementary school in that community where she got her formal education, before sitting and passing the first, second and third Jamaica Local Examinations. She then started to work in the postal service at age 16. She spent the rest of her working life in that service, before retiring eight years ago.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and a host of church brothers and sisters, Lillimae also left behind her sister Barney and brother Regie. Following the thanksgiving service, her body was peacefully interred in the family plot at Sanguinetti.